Get Ready to Apply for Scholarships
UT provides a variety of scholarships for students! The criteria for the individual scholarships vary, and there are scholarships awarded for academic merit, financial need, and more. We encourage you to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you are eligible for many scholarships! UT’s federal school code is 003530.
Types of Scholarships
Learn more about the different types of scholarships UT offers. Some scholarships are referenced by student type, and some by colleges and departments on campus.
First-Year Students
There are many merit and need-based scholarships available for first-year students.
Current & Transfer
Explore scholarship opportunities for current UT students and students transferring to UT.
College, School & Department
Many of our UT colleges and departments provide scholarship opportunities.
Outside & Private
Learn more about ways to search for scholarships outside of UT.
Featured Scholarships
The HOPE Scholarship
Tennessee residents may apply for the HOPE scholarship, which awards first-year and sophomore students up to $2,250 per full-time enrollment semester and junior and senior students up to $2,850 per full-time enrollment semester.
The Tri-Star Scholarship Program
This combination of scholarships provides eligible Tennessee students with a variety of resources and funding opportunities to provide access to the Volunteer experience.
Tennessee Explore Scholarship
Out-of-state students with an excellent academic record who apply for admission by December 15 of their senior year in high school are automatically considered for this scholarship program.
Global Ambassador Scholarship
International students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who apply for admission during their final year of high school are automatically considered for this scholarship and may become part of the UT Global Ambassador program.
Scholarships from UT Colleges
Many of UT’s colleges and academic departments offer scholarships. Some are awarded to entering first-year students, but most are awarded to currently-enrolled students who have met specific academic requirements in their majors.
If you’re an incoming first-year student, click here to learn more about first-year competitive scholarships.
If you’re a current student, check with your college or department about their scholarship opportunities. Some colleges post information online about the scholarships they offer. Make sure you complete the Continuing Undergraduate Student Scholarship application every spring by March 1!
Application information is reviewed by the colleges, and awards are typically made by late spring.
Other Scholarship Sources and Information
Explore other scholarship opportunities you may be eligible for.
UT Sources
External Sources
Army Health Professions Scholarship Program
GI Bill (US Department of Veterans Affairs)
eCampus Tours scholarships and grants
Ned McWherter Scholars Program
- This award is $6,000 per academic year consisting of $3,000 from the State of Tennessee and $3,000 from UT
- Please note the funding from UT could be made up of merit and/or need-based awards
- The $3,000 would not be stacked on top of those awards
Minority Teaching Fellows Program
US Department of Education (USDOE)
National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)
Tax Information for Students (IRS)
- Includes information about the new American Opportunity Credit and other potential tax benefits of pursuing higher education.
- Information about financing your college education in the state of Tennessee, including information on the HOPE Scholarship.
Disbursement of External Scholarships
Private scholarships of $500 or more are split equally between the fall and spring semesters, unless the donor allows UT to change this. Written notification from the donor is necessary if you want to apply the entire amount to one semester. If you withdraw during the semester, it is your responsibility to contact the donor.
Scholarship checks made payable to both UT and the student must be endorsed by the student first. Scholarships from external sources can be dropped off in person at One Stop or they may be sent to the Office of the Bursar at 211 Student Services Building, Knoxville, TN, 37996.